nonclassical

American  

[non-klas-i-kuhl] / nɒnˈklæs ɪ kəl /

adjective

1. not classical or contrary to classical precepts.

2. Physics. pertaining to a law, theory, or observation that cannot be expressed or understood in terms of Newtonian physics.

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Other Word Forms

• nonclassically adverb

Etymology

Origin of nonclassical

First recorded in 1925–30; non- + classical

Example Sentences

And the engineers who worked on “Chloë and the Next 20th Century,” the latest album from onetime Seattleite and current Sub Pop star Father John Misty, are up for best engineered album, nonclassical.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 4, 2023

The music shifted to nonclassical tunes as the group danced to Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive,” as colorful lights swept the room.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 2022

Each singer had to perform a classical piece and a nonclassical piece.

From The New Yorker • Feb. 4, 2019

No one who has heard Kendrick Lamar’s stunning album “Damn” could be at all surprised that it is the first nonclassical or jazz recording to win a Pulitzer Prize.

From Washington Post • Apr. 17, 2018

Like Mr. Schuller, other composers on the lineup were inspired by nonclassical genres for their pieces.

From New York Times • Jul. 26, 2015